Who doesn't like Peanut Brittle? The perfect candy for adults - sticky, sweet and nutty! This Amazing Peanut Brittle makes a great addition to any holiday baking platter.
Don't be scared by the instructions, this peanut brittle recipe is so easy to make and delicious. Just follow the instructions to a "T" and you can't go wrong.
Scroll down to get the ingredient list and get the instructions on how to make this brittle.
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Tips and Tricks to Making Peanut Brittle
Nuts vs. Legumes
So I bet you didn't know that peanuts aren't nuts at all? That's right. Even though peanut has the word nut in it it's technically not a nut. Nuts grow on trees. While peanuts are a seed that grow in pods underground. Yet millions of people wolf down peanuts to curb their appetite. And, if you want to get even more technical their are Drupes which grow on trees but these have an outer shell with an inner flesh that surround a nut. Like peaches, nectarines, plums, etc.. I bet you didn't know that!
Deciding on What Peanuts to Use, If Any
Don't like peanuts. No problem! You can use pretty much any kind of nut for this Brittle. In fact, for a fun twist you could even add the use of currents, raisins, cranberries or any other type of dried fruit. For a further twist you could also throw in some chocolate chips.
Not sure what type of peanuts to use? No problem you could use almonds, cashews, hazelnuts or any other kind of nut. Check out this article on the different types of nuts that can be used for baking here. You could also substitute seeds for nuts like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc...
A Candy Thermometer is a Must
You will absolutely need a candy thermometer to make these. Without one, it will be a little hard to gauge when you should take the water/sugar mixture off the stove top. And guessing this part won't be pretty in this case.
Cutting the Brittle into Pieces
Cutting up the Brittle into pieces isn't actually a thing. But I thought that you might want to know how to get it into edible pieces. There is no neat way to cut up the brittle into pieces. So, once the brittle has set for about 60 minutes, lift up an edge and snap the brittle with your hands to break a piece apart. Do this repeatedly until you have the piece sizes you want and all of the brittle has been broken apart into pieces. To keep your hands from getting sticky, use the parchment paper that the brittle was poured on.
Storing the Peanut Brittle
I wish that I could tell you that this brittle could be packed up and stored in the freezer for later. But, I have found from experience that when it sits out in the cold and then taken out at room temperature, it tends to melt slightly. Therefore, I do not recommend that this brittle be frozen or kept in a cool place.
You can store this brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 weeks. However, if you are going to add any dried fruit to the mixture, I highly recommend that you consume it within a weeks' time.
Add this brittle to your Christmas Cookie platter when guest come to visit. I promise it will be a hit.
If you do plan on gifting it with your Christmas Cookies beware because depending on room temperature or transport, the brittle may start to break down leaving a sticky residue on your cookies or anything that is nearby. And it won't be pleasant to reach for a coconut macaroon and get slimy residue from your brittle.
You may want to head on over to Pastry Wishes and try this recipe for Chocolate Pomegranate Bark.
Looking for other holiday baking ideas? Don't go, take a look around for lots of cool cookie, dinner and other ideas and inspiration!
Recipe Details
Peanut Brittle
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups roasted peanuts salted
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cups light corn syrup
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cups water
Instructions
- You’ll need a candy thermometer for this so that you don’t mess things up (literally). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Mix the water sugar and corn syrup together in a heavy pot and place on stove top and heat on medium heat, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil. Once the temperature reaches 290 degrees stir in the butter, baking soda, and vanilla. Add in peanuts, stir and then spread out the mixture onto the baking sheet spreading everything out so that the nuts are evenly distributed.
- Let cool down for about an hour. Once cooled break the brittle apart using your hands. You can use the parchment paper to hold the brittle as you break it so that your hands don’t get sticky.
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